Various news outlets have reported on the violent attack and brutal rape as it made breaking news across the state (see About for details). Now it’s time to talk about the process of recovery, healing and restoration.

After meeting with my perpetrator, I embarked on a long journey to create restorative justice opportunities so that victim voices could be heard and placed at the centre of offender rehabilitation. Victims, like myself, are so far removed from the judicial process that it seemed an obvious and necessary approach to recidivism. As the system was so ‘broken’ (as my representation referred to it) and restorative justice is not practised in the state of Queensland, I have created the B.R.A.V.E program to help others gain some healing after feeling ‘broken’ for so long.

My story has helped so many gain insights into the pitfalls victims of crime face, and has inspired offenders, survivors and many others to take positive steps forward with resilience and courage as we embark on the journey to become ‘unbroken’.